Nonprofits are always looking for ways to bring in more money to support their cause. One great way to do this is by applying for grants from government and private organizations.
However, writing a successful grant application can be difficult, especially if you don't have experience in the field. That's where a grant writing consultant comes in!
This blog post will discuss the benefits of hiring a grant writing consultant for your nonprofit organization. We'll also provide tips on where to look for the right consultant for your needs.
5 Reasons You Should Hire A Grant Writing Expert
1. Save Time and Focus on Operations
The process of applying for grants can be time-consuming and complicated. There are often numerous forms to fill out, and each granting agency has its unique grant guidelines.
As a result, many organizations choose to hire a grant writer to help with the process. A grant writer can provide valuable assistance in helping you to focus more on your organization's operations by taking on the task of grant writing. This can free up your time to devote more energy to other aspects of running your nonprofit.
2. Higher Chance of Win Rate
Grant application involves researching the grantor, developing a clear and concise proposal, and hoping it meets all eligibility requirements. And that's just for a single grant!
If you're running a nonprofit, the chances are good that you'll need to apply for multiple grants each year. That's where onboarding a grant writer can make a big difference.
A professional grant writer has an extensive experience with the grant writing process and familiarity with the different funding programs' ins and outs. As a result, they can help you develop a robust grant application that gives you the best chance of success.
"If you're running a nonprofit, the chances are good that you'll need to apply for multiple grants each year. That's where onboarding a grant writer can make a big difference."
3. Match Expertise
Grant writing is a process that is hard to crack without some professional help. Some would say that it requires a particular set of skills, and they would be correct!
Expert grant writers have better understanding of what grantors are looking for in a proposal. They know how to put together a winning application that is tailored to the specific requirements of the grantor.
In addition, a skilled grant writer will have a good understanding of the budgeting process and will be able to craft a budget that is realistic and achievable.
4. Opportunity for Growth
Working with successful grant writers can be a great opportunity to reflect on your nonprofit and what it stands for.
After all, in order to secure funding, you need to be able to articulate your organization's mission and goals. This process can help you to clarify your thinking and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page.
It can also be a chance to assess your progress and see where you need to make changes.
5. Reduce Cost
As a nonprofit, you are always looking for ways to save money and allocate your resources wisely.
One way to do this is to hire a grant writer as a freelancer or on a project basis. This can help to save on employment costs and allow you to redirect more funding towards your projects.
However, be sure to establish clear guidelines and deadlines to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that hiring a grant writing consultant is a cost-effective way to support your nonprofit.
What You Need to Do Before Hiring A Grant Writer
Teaming up with a freelance grant writer can be a great way to get the grant awards you need for your next project. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Establish Vision, Mission, and Goals.
Any good grant writer will tell you that clarity is key when it comes to securing funding. Before you even think about hiring a grant writer, make sure you have a clear and concise vision for your project, as well as a realistic mission and goals. Without a clear understanding of these things, it will be difficult to communicate what you're looking for to a potential grant writer.
Determine the kind of grant writer you need.
Assess your needs and determine what kind of writer would be the best fit for your organization. Do you need someone with experience in a specific field? Do you need someone who can write compelling proposals? Once you know what you need, you can start the process of finding the right writer.
Review grant writer portfolios and reviews.
As you begin your search for a grant writer, you'll want to consider their portfolio and reviews. A strong portfolio will demonstrate the writer's ability to research and write successful grant proposals. When looking at portfolios, pay attention to the quality of the writing and the results the writer has achieved.
Reviews can give you insight into a writer's past performance and customer satisfaction. Look for feedback about the writer's communication style and ability to meet deadlines.
What are the Benefits and Risks of Hiring A Grant Writing Expert?
A grant writer can be an invaluable resource, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits before you make a decision.
Benefits of Hiring a Grant Writing Consultant
Established Writing Process
Every grant writer has an established writing process to follow in order to create a successful grant proposal. This process includes research, planning, writing, editing, and revision. Each step is important in creating a well-crafted proposal that stands out from the competition.
Also, freelance grant writers are experts in their field and have a wealth of knowledge about the granting process. They know what information is required in a proposal and how to structure it in order to increase the chances of success.
Competitive Request for Proposals
Grant writers are familiar with the process of crafting a competitive request for proposals. They know what information is needed and how to present it in a way that will appeal to decision-makers. They understand how to identify the key elements that grantors are looking for and how to craft a proposal that meets those requirements.
Flexible Skills
Contracting specific grant writing consultants allows you to target a specific subject or field. This can be vital when trying to secure funding from a particular foundation or government agency.
In addition, writers with experience writing grants often have established relationships with potential donors and grantors, which can give your organization a leg up in the competition for scarce resources.
Risks of Hiring a Grant Writing Consultant
No Deep Understanding of Your Organization
One risk when hiring freelance grant writers is that the consultant may not have a deep understanding of your organization. This could lead to them missing key details about your mission or model, which could in turn lead to less success in securing funding.
Additionally, because they are not intimately familiar with your organization, they may not be able to provide the same level of customization and personalization in their grant proposals.
If you want to get a deeper understanding of your organization, it's important to communicate effectively with your grant writer. By taking the time to explain your organization's mission, goals, and unique needs, you can ensure that the grant writer has a clear understanding of what you're trying to achieve.
Additionally, it's helpful to provide materials such as annual reports, program descriptions, and budget information. This allows the grant writer to get a comprehensive view of your organization and its needs. By providing this type of information, you can create a strong foundation grant application.
Repetitive Process of Screening Grant Writers
One potential downside of working with a grant writing consultant is that the process of screening and selecting consultants can be repetitive and time-consuming.
As a result, organizations may find themselves spending considerable time and resources on the front end of the process of onboarding new grant writers.
If you're looking for a grant consultant with experience in crafting winning grants, then look no further than Grantable. We've done all the hard work by networking with our experts who are focused on helping nonprofits get their ideas funded so that they can make an impact!
No Guarantee of Successful Grants
When it comes to writing grants, there's no guarantee of success. Even the most experienced and talented grant writers can't guarantee that their work will result in funding.
While a consultant can help to identify potential grantors and write engaging proposals, ultimately it is up to the nonprofit to secure the grants.
There are many factors that go into whether a grant is awarded, including the strength of the proposal, the alignment of the project with the grantor's priorities, and luck.
As a result, nonprofits should be aware of the risks involved in hiring a grant writing consultant and only do so if they are prepared to take on the responsibility for securing funding.
Conclusion: Should You Hire a Grant Writer for Your Nonprofit in 2022?
As a nonprofit organization, you are always looking for ways to secure grant money. Whether you're still contemplating why to hire a grant writing consultant for your nonprofit in 2022, it is important to weigh all of the factors before making a decision.
On the plus side, grant writers can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your team. They will be familiar with the ins and outs of the grant process and will be able to help you craft an effective proposal.
In addition, they can save you time by taking on the task of researching potential funding sources.
On the downside, hiring a grant writing consultant can be expensive. You will need to factor in the cost of their fees as well as any associated expenses, such as travel costs if they need to attend meetings or conferences.
In addition, there is no guarantee that you will receive funding, even with the help of an expert.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hire expert grant writers depends on your specific needs and goals. If you have the budget for it and you feel that their expertise would be beneficial, then it may be worth pursuing.
Connect with the best grant experts in Grantable, and start winning grants together! Our community of writers utilizes a special tool that makes getting your grant funds easier than ever before.
Contact us today for a FREE 30-minute online consultation to go over any questions you have about winning grant funding.
